Solar array panels on the Russian segment of the International Space Station (Reuters / NASA) / Reuters

Preventing the deployment of weapons in outer space remains one of the key objectives of Russian diplomacy. We believe that space should be used solely for peaceful scientific research purposes in the interest of development and progress of the world.

That is why Russia is eager to promote initiatives that prohibit
the weaponization of space and help develop international
cooperation.

Among them is the Russian draft resolution on No First Placement
of Arms in Outer Space presented at the UN General Assembly.
Co-sponsored by 33 countries, the resolution was for the first
time given overwhelming support by the First Committee
(Disarmament and International Security) during the current
session, with 126 votes in favor and 4 against (the United
States, Israel, Georgia and Ukraine). The voting has confirmed
that the Russian initiative to prevent the weaponization of space
is winning growing support in the international community. The
text will now be submitted to the plenary of the General Assembly
for adoption.

The draft resolution provides the basis for further action to
keep outer space free from any kind of weapons and to ensure that
all countries have an equal opportunity for its peaceful use. One
of the key provisions is the idea of early talks at the
Conference on Disarmament in Geneva with a view to drafting and
adopting a binding international treaty to prevent the placement
of arms in outer space and the threat or use of force against
outer space objects. Such a treaty was first proposed by Russia
and China in 2008. An updated Russian-Chinese draft was submitted
to the Conference on Disarmament in June this year.

The draft resolution also includes an appeal to all states to
adopt a political commitment on no first placement of arms in
outer space. So far, 11 countries have made declarations, namely
Argentina, Armenia, Belarus, Brazil, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Sri Lanka and Tajikistan.

Adopting a commitment not to be the first to place weapons in
outer space by all nations with major space capabilities would
greatly facilitate a legally binding ban on the placement of any
kind of weapons in outer space and the threat or use of force
against outer space objects. Further efforts to spread this
pledge across the globe would be a major contribution to the
efforts of all the UN member countries towards equal and
indivisible security and stability.

The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of RT.